Phish Jewish connection sparks new book & Philadelphia talk. How to attend
Andre LamarSome Phishy activity is happening around the region this week.
The first Phish event is at Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 11. Phish heads will learn about the band's ties with and influence on the Jewish community through a conversation centered on the new book "This is Your Song Too: Phish and Contemporary Jewish Identity."
The second Phish-related event is a concert. Most of the group's members have a side project with one of Phish's founders. That show is at Elkton Music Hall in Maryland on Saturday, April 13.
Here's a closer look at both events, before Phish (one of the biggest bands in the world) brings its new Mondegreen festival to The Woodlands of Dover in August.
Phish has old ties to Philadelphia
Philly is a significant location for a discussion about the new Phish-inspired book "This is Your Song Too: Phish and Contemporary Jewish Identity." While the band was formed in Vermont, drummer Jon Fishman was born in Philly, before getting adopted and moving to Syracuse, New York, according to Jewishvirtuallibrary.org, an encyclopedia of Jewish history.
Keyboardist Page McConnell also was born in Philly and moved to Basking Ridge, New Jersey, per Phish.net, a popular Phish fan page.
New Phish book explores band’s Jewish connection
In celebration of “This is Your Song Too: Phish and Contemporary Jewish Identity the book” on Thursday, April 11, a conversation about Phish, their diehard fans and Jewish identity will be discussed at Weitzman National Museum in Philadelphia on that same day.
The book event begins at 6 p.m. with live concert footage, followed by a conversation at 7 p.m., and ending with a book signing and doughnuts at 8 p.m.
The conversation around "This is Your Song Too" will feature the book's co-editors Ariella Werden-Greenfield (Feinstein Center, Temple University) and Oren Kroll Zeldin (University of San Francisco) and Rabbi Eli Freedman (Congregation Rodeph Shalom).
Phish has two members — bassist Mike Gordon and drummer Jon Fishman — who were raised in Jewish households. The band also has been known to play Hebrew songs in concert, according to the book's synopsis.
"At live shows, many attendees, some wearing T-shirts emblazoned with 'Phish' written in Hebrew letters, express feeling something special ― even distinctly Jewish ― during their performances," the book's summary continued.
"In effect, Phish fandom and the live Phish experience act as a microcosm through which we see American Jewish religious and cultural life manifest in unique and unexpected spaces."
In "This Is Your Song Too," the book features an interview with the band's bassist and it offers an in-depth look at Jewishness in the Phish community "that also provides a deeper understanding of how spirituality, ritual and identity function in the world of rock and roll."
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (101 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia) on the corner of 5th & Market; 6 p.m. Thursday, April 11. General Admission $18; GA + Signed Book $55; Members $13; Member Ticket + Signed Book $50. Visit theweitzman.org or (215) 923-3811.
Delaware Phish fan seen band 180 times:He's heard this song the most
7 things for Phish fans to know:Before coming to The Woodlands of Dover for Mondegreen
LaMP has members from Trey Anastasio Band
LaMP is a high-energy jazz trio formed in 2018 comprised of Russ Lawton (drums), Ray Paczkowski (organist) and Scott Metzger (guitar). Lawton and Paczkowski might be better known for playing in Phish lead singer Trey Anastasio's solo outfit, the Trey Anastasio Band.
In addition to two of the band members being connected to Anastasio, the trio also represents the same home state as Phish: Vermont.
In July 2020, LaMP dropped its self-titled album with seven tracks.
The band will groove Elkton Music Hall (107 North St., Elkton, Maryland) at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 13. Tickets are $31. Visit elktonmusichall.com.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.